Category: Consecrated Virgin

Praying for Vocations to the Consecrated Life

2/23/2026

First Friday adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a treasured devotion in many parishes. As it is a particularly good opportunity to pray for vocations to the Consecrated Life, the Assembly of Women Religious joined with Our Lady Queen of Peace parish on Friday, February 6, to pray all day together for this blessing for our Diocese. This helped sustain our prayer for vocations during the week for Consecrated Life, which began with the celebration of the Mass at the Cathedral on February 2.

Adoration for vocations is one of the ways that we participate in the renewal of our Diocese. By practicing the faith through this devotion and begging the Lord of the harvest for labourers for His harvest, we are witnessing to Christ by our prayers and inviting others to know Christ and engage in our Catholic sacramental life through the intimacy of silent adoration of the Lord.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us to pray for vocations: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38). Pope St. John Paul II said: “The entire People of God is responsible for promoting vocations and does so chiefly by persistent and humble prayer for vocations” (Ecclesia in America, n. 40).

Thank you to the priests, Dominican Sisters, and many parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace parish who came to pray. Thank you to the dedicated Religious Sisters not of the parish who spent time before the Blessed Sacrament for this intention of vocations. They represented the Faithful Companions of Jesus, the Providence Sisters, the Gilbertines, and the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth. The Precious Blood Sisters told us that they would join us in prayer from their own monastery chapel. A special thank you to Lee Boyle who helped with welcoming everyone and stayed to pray almost the entire day.

May the Lord hear our prayer and send us many young men and women to join the Consecrated Life in our Diocese.

Written by Sister Dianne Turner, OSE. Photos courtesy of Sister Dianne.

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Lauretta Dearing: Consecrated to the Order of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World

11/30/2025

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On Friday, November 21, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Diocese of Calgary celebrated a beautiful and historic liturgy: the consecration of Lauretta Dearing to the Order of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World (Ordo Virginum). Lauretta is the first woman in our diocese to be received into this ancient vocation, which dates back to the early Church and is lived today in the world through prayer, service, and a deep spousal commitment to Christ.

Bishop William T. McGrattan presided at the Mass and preached on the meaning of this vocation for Lauretta and for the whole Church. He reminded the faithful: “God has called her to be more closely united to himself and to be dedicated to the service of the Church and of mankind.” He invited the congregation to consider the spiritual fruit of this consecration, saying: “Think of the good she will accomplish by her prayers and good works, and the abundant blessings she will obtain from God for holy Church, for the human society, and for your families.”

Turning to Lauretta, he offered words of encouragement drawn from the rite itself: “The life you seek to follow has its home in heaven. God himself is its source.” He affirmed the gift she receives on this day: “He gives you the dignity of being a bride of Christ and binds you to the Son of God in a covenant to last forever.”

Through the solemn Prayer of Consecration and the presentation of the veil, ring, and Liturgy of the Hours, Lauretta began her life as a consecrated virgin in the Diocese of Calgary.

We give thanks to God for her generous and joyful “yes.”

I am espoused to him whom the angels serve; sun and moon stand in wonder at his glory." ~Rite of Consecration to a Life of Virginity

Photography by Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary.

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We Carry Light: 2025 World Day for Consecrated Life

2/11/2025

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What do candles and Consecrated Life have in common? The faithful of St. Albert the Great Parish who attended the 5 pm Mass on Sunday, February 2, 2025 certainly know.

February 2 is an important feast day in the Church’s liturgical calendar, the 40th day after Christmas when we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. This day, also known since the Middle Ages as Candlemas Day, begins with the blessing of the candles as we celebrate Jesus the Light of the World.

In 1997, Pope St. John Paul II also dedicated this day as the World Day for Consecrated Life. He wrote that the purpose of this day is “to help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels” [of poverty, chastity, and obedience] as well as “to be a suitable occasion for Consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervour which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord” (St. John Paul II, 1997; Ordo 2024-2025 p. 61)

At St. Albert the Great Parish, over 40 of the Religious and Consecrated persons in our Diocese were present with Bishop McGrattan to celebrate. What a joy it was to carry a lighted candle as the Religious and Consecrated processed with the Bishop, singing “Christ be our Light”! This was a truly significant action in the liturgy because Jesus Himself calls those vowed to this life “to show that the Incarnate Son of God is the eschatological goal towards which all things tend, the splendour before which every other light pales, and the infinite beauty which alone can fully satisfy the human heart.” (Vita Consecrata 16)

Our Bishop in his homily, beautifully explained the origins of this feast day and how it relates to the Consecrated Life in the Church. After the homily the Religious and Consecrated Communities renewed their vows. “The counsels, more than a simple renunciation, are a specific acceptance of the mystery of Christ, lived within the Church.” (Vita Consecrata 16) Bishop McGrattan invited everyone to pray for the Religious and Consecrated men and women present who then stood together and renewed their vows to the Lord.

Not only did we feast together at the Table of the Eucharist, but we broke bread together with a great variety of food at the reception! The generous parishioners hosted this delicious feast with an opportunity to rejoice together and enjoy each others’ company. This was truly a day of joyous celebration!

On behalf of the Religious and Consecrated of our Diocese, the Assembly of Women Religious, and the Renewal Team for Religious, thank you to the Salvatorian priests, parish staff, all who had a role in the liturgy, and parishioners at St. Albert the Great parish for making us welcome and offering us a life-giving and beautiful celebration of the Feast of the Presentation and World Day for Consecrated Life. We are filled with gratitude! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Written by Br. Michael Perras, OFM, and Sr. Dianne Turner, OSE. Photos: Victor Panlilio, for the Diocese of Calgary.

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Nurturing the culture of vocations

4/27/2024

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"We urgently need more vocations in our diocese—to Consecrated life and the Priesthood. Without everyone's involvement, how can we hope to see an increase in vocations?" Sr. Dianne, Assistant Director of Vocations, posed this compelling question at the Vocations Rally on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 21, at St. Michael’s Parish in Calgary.

“We really need to get that soil prepared so that the seeds of vocation can fall into it, and they can flourish,” she continued. Indeed, this was the driving force behind gathering the faithful at the Vocations Rally, aiming to enlighten us all on how to create such nurturing conditions.

The event, co-hosted with the Benedict XVI Institute from Newman Theological College, was a hopeful beginning for fostering vocations within our diocesan community. With more than 400 attendees, including pre-registrants and walk-ins, the Rally kicked off with Mass at 11 am, led by Fr. Edmund Vargas. Afterward, attendees were invited to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the Knights of Columbus in the narthex, and explore various booths featuring Religious brothers and sisters, seminarians, and vocations advocates before the start of the presentations.

Fr. Cristino, Director of Vocations, shared his astonishment at the turnout and the discussions he had in the days following the rally. “It was impressive to me, first of all, how many people were in attendance. But the follow up conversations I've been having with people all week clearly indicate that they were deeply impacted by all of the sharing they received in that brief time together!”

But this comes as no surprise. The insights shared by each speaker, combined with the sense of community encountered at the Rally, were a true renewal experience.

If you want vocations, build a strong catholic culture." ~Dr. Ryan Topping

Dr. Ryan Topping, Director of the Benedict XVI Institute in Newman Theological College opened the Rally with a strong message: "If you want vocations, build a strong catholic culture." He went on to share findings from a study on new Canadian priests, highlighting both concerning and hopeful trends in the vocational landscape. His talk underscored the vital importance of parish priests and families in guiding young people toward considering vocations to Consecrated life and Priesthood.

Dr. Topping highlighted that priests emerge from the community, the People of God. Therefore, to encourage more vocations, the Church must foster a vibrant Catholic culture that cherishes family, promotes unapologetic faith teaching, engages in active devotions, and cultivates a communal spirit that is receptive to God’s call. Read more about the report “Meet Our new Priests” here.

Fr. Santiago Torres, our recently ordained, affirmed the communal roots of vocations, stating, “Vocation is not something that just comes out of nowhere. It comes out from communities, it comes out from families, and it comes out from a faith that is shared, and that is lived authentically, and in a manner that is joyful and intriguing to those whom the Lord is calling to His service.”

He shared stories from his own vocational journey, which began in his final year at university, supported by the nurturing environments of both his family and the parish community at St. Bonaventure, as well as the University of Calgary Catholic Community at the time.

Vocation is not something that just comes out of nowhere. It comes out from communities, it comes out from families..." ~Fr. Santiago Torres

We live as a couple in the world, but not of the world. And that's important to remember.” ~Cedric & Greta De Souza

A particularly impactful presentation was given by Cedric and Greta De Souza, parents to Fr. Raymond De Souza of the Diocese of Kingston and Sr. John Mary of Sister of Life in Toronto, two married children, and grandparents to seven children. They shared, “We live as a couple in the world, but not of the world. And that's important to remember.” Rooted firmly in their Catholic faith, they highlighted how Catholicism has been a constant and reassuring force in their lives.

The De Souzas discussed the concept of a 'domestic church' within their home. They spoke about the significance of imbuing their children’s lives with daily faith practices, remaining actively involved in church life, prioritizing Sunday as the day of worship and family, and adhering to the principle that "the family that prays together stays together." Their regular practice of hosting priests and devout Catholic friends for meals and fellowship not only integrated their family more deeply into the wider Catholic community, but also showcased to their children the normalcy and dignity of a life devoted to religious faith.

The Seeds of the Word's Brother John Paul and Sister Ana Sophia, along with a panel comprising Religious and Diocesan priests, Religious Sisters and a Brother, a Diocesan seminarian and a Religious Sister novice, also took the Rally stage. They took turn in sharing their vocation stories and key moments in their discernment process, offering us a deeper understanding of the vocation call to Consecrated life and Priesthood.

The event culminated with a closing keynote by Bishop McGrattan, who reflected on one of the diocese's priorities of #Renewal. A key component to this renewal, he pointed out, is strengthening family life, which plays a vital role in fostering vocations.

Bishop McGrattan highlighted the essential role of the family in vocational discernment, expressing gratitude towards parents and teachers who have nurtured vocations. "Every vocation begins in the family. And for those who have parents who have nurtured your vocation to this point, I want to thank you. For the teachers that have nurtured that sense of a vocation in a young person. I want to thank you."

Echoing Dr. Topping's earlier remarks, the Bishop spoke about the significant role Priests and Religious play as vocation directors and encouragers. "The greatest vocation directors, encouragers, are Priests and Religious. And that's why you have been treated to what I consider to be the culture of vocations. It's the life and the witness of our Priests and our Religious in the Diocese of Calgary."

In his concluding remarks, Bishop McGrattan drew inspiration from the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the flock, urging all the faithful to remain open and attentive to God's calling. “Let us always attune our ears to be open to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, who is calling our young people to a path of deep vocation and service for the church.”

The greatest vocation directors, encouragers, are Priests and Religious. " ~Bishop McGrattan

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Videos from the Vocations Rally are available here:

Video #1 - Featuring Dr. Ryan Topping, Fr. Cristino Bouvette & Fr. Santiago Torres; Greta De Souza
Video #2 - Featuring Cedric & Greta De Souza, Seeds of the Word, Consecrated Life panel members
Video #3 - Featuring Consecrated Life Panel members and Bishop McGrattan

Videos courtesy of St. Michael's Catholic Community.

The Office of Vocations is very thankful for the Vocations Rally Planning Team, Benedict XVI Instittute of the Newman Theological College, St. Michael’s Parish and Diocesan staff, video and photography team, Knights of Columbus, Seminarians, Consecrated Life members, Serra Club of Calgary, and many others who supported the Vocations Rally and came to support our Diocesan effort to create a culture of vocations! We wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

Photos: Bandi Szakony, for the Diocese of Calgary

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2024 World Day for Consecrated Life

2/4/2024

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This year, the 28th World Day for Consecrated Life was especially marked with great reverence and joy. Friar Michael Perras shared, "The Franciscan Friars invited all religious of the Diocese to join in this special commemoration. We gathered for the Eucharist, took time to connect, and enjoyed a noon feast together. I believe there were nine different communities represented. It was such a gift for us to gather and celebrate our vows!"

The World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated every year on February 2. It is intended to "help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels and, at the same time, is intended to be a suitable occasion for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervour which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord." (Pope St. John Paul II)

Following the gathering at Mount St. Francis in Cochrane, many of the religious priests and consecrated men and women of the Diocese joined Fr. Avi at the Cathedral to celebrate the Mass of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas.

After the gathering at Mount St. Francis in Cochrane, many religious priests and consecrated men and women of the Diocese joined Fr. Avi at the Cathedral to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. Fr. Avi led the Mass and invited people discerning a call to consecration to come forward for a blessing alongside those who had already taken vows. He encouraged the congregation to invite young people to consider the Consecrated Life and prayed especially for more vocations in the Diocese.

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Learn about The Order of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World

3/8/2023

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Since the time of Jesus, women have been drawn to follow a life of chastity in imitation of His celibate life and the life of His Virgin Mother, totally dedicated to the plan of the Father. In this vocation to consecrated virginity within the Catholic Church, women dedicate themselves as virgins to follow Christ more closely. These women, called “brides of Christ”, have given themselves totally and exclusively to God. While living in their own homes and maintaining responsibility for their own livelihood, they enhance their devoted lives with the Liturgy of the Hours, and pray for the Bishop’s intentions and the needs of the Diocese. It is a beautiful, life-enriching commitment that has been carried out since ancient times. Some of the early virgin Saints, such as St. Agnes, St. Anastasia, St. Lucy, and St. Agatha, are mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer 1).

Having listened to the requests of women seeking to fulfil this vocation as Consecrated Virgins, Bishop McGrattan has now established in our Diocese the Order of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World. Consecrated Virgins can be found around the world and both Popes St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI gave beautiful exhortations to assist them in living out their holy resolution.

As Pope St. John Paul said: “The state of consecrated virginity makes the praise of Christ more spontaneous, listening to His word quicker, service to Him more joyful, and the occasion of offering Him the homage of your love more frequent. Yet consecrated virginity is not a privilege, but rather a gift of God, which implies a strong commitment in following Him and being His disciple” (International Conference of Consecrated Virgins, Rome in audience with Pope John Paul II, 2 June 1995).

Pope Benedict XVI added: "That your whole life may be a faithful witness of God’s love and a convincing sign of the Kingdom of Heaven. Take care always to radiate the dignity of being a bride of Christ, expressing the newness of Christian existence and the serene expectation of future life. Thus, with your own upright life you will be stars to guide the world on its journey" (Pope Benedict XVI’s address to the participants in the International Congress-Pilgrimage of the Ordo Virginum 2008).

Some may ask how this way of Consecrated Life differs from that of women Religious (Nuns and Religious Sisters). A characteristic of this form of life is the insertion of consecrated virgins in the particular Church (the Diocese), and thus in a specific cultural and social context. Consecration reserves them to God without distancing them from the environment in which they live and in which they are called to give personal witness (Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago 37).

When a woman enters a Religious community, she is then bound by obedience to the mission of that community and may be placed wherever the community has a mission or may be cloistered in a monastery and thereby apart from the world although still very much concerned with its needs through her prayer. The Consecrated Virgin living in the world is immersed in the culture of her society and lives out her vocation among its people. She does not wear distinctive clothing and her work can be of any sort that is appropriate for a disciple of Christ. She may choose to live with other virgins, or alone, or with her family, but she does not have the same commitment to community that a Religious Sister or Nun does through her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Advice from Fr. Cristino for those who feel called to the vocation of Consecrated Virginity: “Those discerning should ask themselves why they feel drawn to total consecration to Christ outside of a Religious community of women living the same lifestyle, and what draws them to making a public declaration of their interior vow versus keeping it private.”

Written by
Sr. Dianne Turner

March 13, 2023

Learn more about this unique vocation here.

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Praying for Vocations to the Consecrated Life

Lauretta Dearing: Consecrated to the Order of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World

We Carry Light: 2025 World Day for Consecrated Life

Nurturing the culture of vocations

2024 World Day for Consecrated Life

Learn about The Order of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World

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